Weather maps have revealed that a significant winter weather event is set to impact England next week, with a 182-mile blanket of snow forecast to cover 15 counties. This includes parts of the Midlands, where towns could face a peppering of snow as colder air spreads across the region.
Extensive Snow Coverage Predicted for Early February
According to WX Charts, the snowy conditions are expected to appear at 6am on Friday, February 6, coating counties from Northamptonshire in the East Midlands up to Cumbria in the North West. This extensive coverage highlights a widespread winter weather system moving across the country.
Midlands Towns on Alert for Wintery Conditions
While the majority of the West Midlands is set to miss out on the heaviest snowfall, specific areas in Staffordshire could face a blanketing. Towns such as Cheadle and Leek in the north of the borough are predicted to receive around 0.4cm of snow over a three-hour period, indicating localised but impactful wintery weather.
Met Office Issues Warning for Increased Winter Hazards
The Met Office has reinforced these predictions in its long-range forecast from February 4 to 13, warning of an increased risk of wintery hazards in northern parts of the UK. The forecast explains that frontal systems over the North Atlantic, steered by a south-shifted jet stream, are likely to approach the UK but may stall due to blocking high pressure to the north and northeast.
This atmospheric setup could result in further spells of rain, which may turn to snow as bands spread northwards and encounter colder air, particularly on high ground in northern England and Scotland. The Met Office anticipates a subtle shift southwards of low-pressure areas during the second week of February, potentially allowing colder air to spread across northern UK and heightening the risk of wintery conditions.
Implications for Flood-Prone Areas
In addition to snow risks, the forecast notes that rain could fall in areas already sensitive to flooding, adding another layer of concern for communities. Residents in affected regions are advised to stay updated with local weather alerts and prepare for potential disruptions as this winter weather event unfolds.
